Representing Airdrie & Shotts
By karen
Today’s dear Alex letter relates to Scottish Government proposals to end advertising public notices in local newspapers.
I believe that this is a wrong decision by the Scottish Government. When the Planning Act was passing through Parliament, I supported moves to remove the duty on local authorities to publish notice in the Edinburgh Gazette, a practice that was historic and outdated. However, it was never the intention to remove the publication of notices in local newspapers. Local newspapers are very well read and they are usually the first place local people will turn to see if there are any planning applications that affect them. Many of these people do not have access to the internet so the new system of publishing such notices online, will actually discriminate against them:
Dear Alex
As you may be aware, the Scottish Government intends to put an end to advertising public notices in newspapers. I am very concerned about the impact that this will have both in terms of the public accountability of government, both local and national and also the impact that the removal of this advertising revenue will have on local newspapers.
Whilst I agree with the intention to place this information on line, it must be noted that not all households have access to the internet. Does this policy not effectively reduce access to information rather than improve it?
Will you join me in calling on the Scottish Government to review this disastrous policy?
Karen
By karen
Well, today is the 10th anniversary of the official opening of the Scottish Parliament. This will be celebrated by a range of events and initiatives that focus on public engagement.
I still vividly remember the first days of the Scottish Parliament. There was a real sense of expectation both publicly and politically. Our temporary home on the Mound served us well and I remember debates within the Church of Scotland Assembly building with great affection.
I remember impressive head to head battles between Donald Dewar and Alex Salmond. More than anything else, I remember the real sense that this was a parliament that was accessible to all. It was great to be able to show so many school and voluntary groups around our new Parliament.
Of course it is true that, over the years our Parliament has had its downs as well as its ups. The fiasco around the cost of the Parliament did some early damage to its reputation. I also remember with great sadness the death of our first First Minister, Donald Dewar. Donald was a passionate advocate of the Parliament and he was sadly missed.
I remember the excitement of moving to our new building, which, despite initial problems, is now very well thought of by the many constituents that come to visit me in Edinburgh.
Over the years the Parliament has passed a range of legislation that has had a real and positive impact on the people of Scotland and on my constituents in Airdrie and Shotts. We introduced homelessness legislation is widely seen as the most progressive in Europe. We introduced a right to roam. Even the ban on smoking in public places, which was originally seen as controversial, is now fairly well accepted.
After years of campaigning, the Airdrie to Bathgate rail line will soon become a reality and will make a real difference to the people of Airdrie and the surrounding villages.
I am looking forward to the next couple of years within the Parliament and I am determined to continue to campaign on behalf of my constituents on issues that affect them, such as proposals to build an incinerator near Greengairs.
By karen
My colleague in the Scottish Parliament, Alex Neil MSP, has always been keen to be active in local and national campaigns. I thought that it was only fair that I try to include him as much as possible in some of the issues that are affecting my constituents. For this reason I have written a number of letters to Alex, asking him to join me in various campaigns. In the spirit of openess I thought that it would be good to share these letters with you all.
Today’s dear Alex is in response to a letter that Alex sent me asking for my views on Council Tax setting, particularly in light of recent quotes by Professor Arthur Midwinter:
Dear Alex
Thank you for your letter of 9 June. As you should be aware, the setting of council tax is a matter for local government. It is strange that I have to point this out to a politician from a party that professes a strong desire to allow local government to make its own decisions. As far as I am aware, the only political party that has attempted to ‘whip’ councils in relation to council tax levels is the SNP.
I am sure that councillors across Scotland, including those from your own party, would be keen to learn of your own personal commitment to ensuring that the Scottish Government provides sufficient funding for all council services as well as the plethora of government commitments.
As for Professor Midwinter, as far as I am aware, he is neither a Labour MSP nor a Labour Councillor so it might be more appropriate for you to contact him directly in relation to any statements he makes.
Once again, thank you for taking the time out of your busy diary to write to me on this matter. I am more than willing to help clarify any confusion you may have in the future.
Karen
By karen
I always enjoy attending school shows and am always impressed by the hard work and enthusiasm of everyone involved. I was so impressed by the show at Airdrie Academy (Le Miserables) and the joint show at Tollbrae and Calderbank Primaries (Grease), that I have tabled Parliamentary Motions congratulating the schools involved. Involvement in drama from an early age is a great way of boosting children’s confidence and commication skills, as well as providing enjoyable entertainment for proud parents, family and the local community. Both performances were simply outstanding!
By karen
The recent HMIe report into child protection in Dundee City has raised very serious concerns about the quality of the service provided. This report follows similar reports for Moray Council and Aberdeen City Council.
HM Inspectorate of Education officials said they had “no confidence” that all children at risk of harm, abuse and neglect are protected.
I am pleased to note that North Lanarkshire Council recieved a very positive HMIe report. However, I am concerned that the recent Dundee report reflects a deeper problem that exists in many councils. This is why I have called on the Scottish Government to set up a national inquiry into child protection services across the country.
By karen
I have tabled a Parliamentary motion congratulating Airdrie & Coatbridge Sea Cadets on securing the TS Indefatigable Cup 2008 for being the Most Improved Sea Cadet Unit in the UK. This is only the third time the Cup has been awarded within the Sea Cadet Corps and therefore the group are rightly proud of their achievements.
I recently met with the group and I was very impressed with the hard work and commitment of the dedicated volunteers supporting the group’s work. Well done to all those who helped secure the award.
By karen
I am just back from the award ceremony at Stane Primary in Shotts. this is one of many awards presentations I attend at this time of year. It is great to see the hard work and effort of children and young people being recognised. Too often young people are seen as being a problem within society. The association between the words ‘youth’ and ‘anti-social’ is strong in the minds of many people.
Whilst it is true that a small number of young people can cause problems in our communities we must always keep in mind that the vast majority of young people play a positive and constructive part in their communities.
The pupils of Stane Primary that I met today were a credit to their parents and to the staff at the school. I hope that those children who are moving up to Calderhead High (which I am very glad to say will be rebuilt) will thrive and contribute to their new school i the way they have done at Calderhead.
By karen
This afternoon I visited the pupils and staff of St Dominic’s Primary in Petersburn. They had a tripple celebration.
Firstly, they were raising their 3rd eco flag. This is a tremendous achievement and my congratulations go to everyone on the eco committee.
Secondly, they had the official opening of their new outside learning area. This are, which was formerly a car park, was redesigned by the school children as an outdoor learning facility, complete with plants, a solar powered fountain and a covered learning area. Funding for the work was provided by the Royal Bank of Scotland. I am sure that this will prove to be a valuable learning resource for the school.
Thirdly, the pupils had the official launch of their Bee Hotel. The hotel is pictured above and is used by bees for laying their eggs. Study of the bees has been incorporated into the P4 curriculum and everyone is looking forward to seeing the bees hatching in time (and, of course, standing well back!)
By karen
Joining Councillor Jim Robertson at a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Care at the Shotts Healthy Living Centre.
I am just back from a visit to a fundraising event at the Shotts Healthy Living Centre for Breast cancer Care. It was great to see so many people turn up to raise funds for this important cause. It was particularly fitting that this event should be held in a community cafe which is committed to improving the health of local people.
The Healthy Living Centre has a very active food co-op and provides good quality fresh fruit and vegetables at a very reasonable price. The only slight deviation for the fundraising event, was a generous supply of strawberry tarts, which were baked by my mother!
By karen
Well, it’s that time of year again. Lots of invitations to school shows. My main dilemma is which ones to go to, as they often clash. Each year I am more and more impressed by the standard of these shows.
This year, Airdrie Academy put on Les Miserables. It was a very ambitious undertaking and they delivered an unbelievably professional performance. The standard of acting, music, lighting and production was quite amazing. I am sure some of these young people will go on to careers within the dramatic arts.
I was similarly impressed by the show at St Patrick’s Primary in Shotts, which this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Next week I am looking forward to attending a production of ‘Grease’ which is being staged jointly by Calderbank Primary and Tollbrae Primary.
All of these shows provide excellent opportunities for young people to show off their talents and to gain confidence through performance. In addition (and importantly), they also help to facilitate and nurture a sense of community, which is often lacking in today’s society. Parents and relatives gather to celebrate the achievements of their children, something which I believe helps to build social capital and strengthen our communities.
Today’s dear Alex letter relates to Scottish Government proposals to end advertising public notices in local newspapers.
